MSc in Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance

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1 MSc in Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance A new postgraduate opportunity

2 Take a lead role in the bioeconomy The Masters in Management of Bioeconomy, Innovation and Governance (MSc BIG) is a new postgraduate qualification designed to meet the increasing demand for skilled people in the growing global bioeconomy. The bioeconomy is made up of sectors that are based on high value life science innovation in health, agriculture and the environment. Society is challenged to make better use of existing resources, add value throughout life science innovation supply chains and bring new technologies to both existing and emerging markets. To meet these modern challenges, MSc BIG provides students with a dynamic set of competencies and knowledge about life science innovation as highly desired by prospective employers in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. Graduates excel in strategic thinking that brings globally contextualised solutions to practical problems relating to firm strategy, policy and regulation, collaboration and intellectual property. The timing of this programme and its relevance to the current economic situation is opportune. Robert Wells, Head of Biotechnology Unit, OECD

3 An overview of MSc BIG core courses The MSc BIG programme is comprised of a unique suite of courses that are based on the latest research and practical experience. Students will take five core courses plus one or two optional courses and be required to write a dissertation. Foundations of the Bioeconomy This course familiarises students with different perspectives on the bioeconomy and the science underpinning it. Topics include the origins of the bioeconomy, the status of the biotechnology revolution, the economic impact on countries and regions, and the role of citizens as cocreators of social innovation. Biobusiness This course explores discoveries in the life sciences in areas such as agro-bio, biopharmaceuticals, biofuels and bio-materials. At issue is how these discoveries are reshaping the bioeconomy and value systems in fields such as healthcare, agriculture and the green economy. Emphasis is placed on specific contemporary issues such as pharmaceutical drug R&D, new methods of knowledge translation in the medical field, and the ways in which risk capital supports bio-related innovation. Current Trends in Life Science Innovation This course provides an overview of current trends in life science innovation and how different branches of the life sciences relate to one another. Students will develop an in-depth case study of a developing field of bioscience or innovative new biotechnology, using new methods for technology foresight. Innovation Systems: Theory and Practice This course introduces concepts at the centre of contemporary studies of technological change and innovation and applies the concepts to different industrial sectors in the bioeconomy. Specific topics include the impact of life science-based innovations and technologies in the pharmaceutical, bio-energy and agrobiotechnology industries, and the development of new governance and policy structures for life science innovation. Risk, Regulation and Governance This course focuses on risk governance and regulation processes as they can be applied to a range of industries, technological sectors and socio-economic issues. It explores specific challenges for risk governance and regulation of the life sciences and key emerging areas of the global bioeconomy including health, agriculture and environment. Dissertation Students will undertake a 15,000 word dissertation to be submitted by a date specified in the University regulations. Work-based dissertations will be encouraged and will help ensure that students gain experience directly relevant to careers in the bioeconomy.

4 The University of Edinburgh The ESRC Innogen Centre The programme is delivered at the University of Edinburgh by scholars within the Innogen centre a research institute world renowned for its study of the life sciences, proximity to government and collaboration with commercial and not-forprofit sectors within the bioeconomy. Innogen has developed novel methods for the analysis of innovation systems that focus on business plans, value chains and value systems, and develops scenarios with a view to optimising public, policy and commercial outcomes. Innogen continues a decade-long tradition of translating research into a sound base for decision-making in science, industry, policy and public arenas related to innovation in the life sciences. ESRC Innogen Centre Graduate School of Social and Political Science Innogen enjoys an outstanding reputation for the quality of its work in a wide range of disciplines and for the interdisciplinarity of its approach. Alastair Kent, Director, Genetic Alliance UK The Graduate School of Social and Political Science Innogen is a part of the Science, Technology and Innovation Studies (STIS) subject group in the School of Social and Political Science (SPS) at the University of Edinburgh. SPS is one of Europe s leading centres for social science research and hosts a vibrant community of more than 180 staff, 300 taught postgraduates and 250 research postgraduates.

5 FAQs Who should take this programme? Students from a variety of backgrounds are welcome, including scientists seeking a career outside the lab and social scientists and business students pursuing their interests in life science innovation. The programme is also intended for those bioeconomy professionals (both scientists and non-scientists) who are developing career pathways. The interdisciplinary student profile will reflect the interdisciplinary nature of the programme and its delivery. How is the programme taught? The MSc BIG programme draws upon current, real life case studies and the latest research findings. Experiential rather than rote learning is encouraged, and is accomplished through problem-based group work activities, presentations, interactive seminars and conventional lectures. The programme includes high-profile guest lectures to ensure the latest thinking from key opinion leaders is provided. The programme can be completed on a full-time one year or part-time two year basis. What knowledge and competencies does the programme provide? Knowledge and conceptual frameworks Current trends in life science innovation Innovation from proof of concept to market readiness Risk, regulation and governance of the bioeconomy Knowledge management and intellectual property in life sciences New business models and value systems Financing of life science innovation and changing commercial R&D models and strategies Competencies and practical skills Analysis of trends, opportunities and challenges along the life science innovation pathway Facilitating entrepreneurship and thinking creatively about the future of the bioeconomy Creating business plans and mapping routes to market for new technologies Foresight and scenario-based techniques for managing risk and uncertainty associated with emerging technologies Negotiation and communication skills in interdisciplinary teams

6 Entry requirements Applicants are required to have at least an upper second class UK degree (2.1) or its international equivalent. No specific disciplinary background is required. The International Office provide further information, by country, on what is considered equivalent to a UK 2.1 qualification. Go to www. ed.ac.uk/studying/international/country, select your country from the list provided and follow the links to Postgraduate Entry. Tuition fees* UK/EU students: 7,100 per annum International students: 13,050 per annum *Tuition fees are for the 2012/13 academic year and are correct at the time of print. Please visit for up to date tuition fee information. Scholarships An extensive range of scholarships are available from the University of Edinburgh, both general and country-specific. The University Scholarships and Student Funding Services and the Graduate School of Social and Political Science both offer more information about fees, funding and scholarships. How to apply Submit an online application at uk/pgtmbig or request an application form from the Graduate School of Social and Political Science. Students are invited to contact the programme director to informally discuss the programme, their eligibility and conditions of entrance Contact details Graduate School of Social and Political Science Postgraduate Admissions t: +44 (0) e: pgadmissions.sps@ed.ac.uk For informal questions about the programme, please contact the Programme Director Prof David Castle Chair of Innovation in the Life Sciences, ESRC Innogen Centre t: +44 (0) e: mscbig@ed.ac.uk studyhere studyhere/mscbig/feesscholarships All information correct at the time of going to print. No part of this publication maybe reproduced without the written permission of the University. The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body, registered in Scotland, with registration number SC /01/2012